DH and I are discussing getting an above-ground pool. They're on sale right now and they're pretty affordable. We do not want to use chlorine. I've read about it, including that, when used properly it isn't harsh. I sell chlorine pool chemicals at my job so I am familiar with them but we just don't want to use them. Salt water systems are chlorine generators so I don't want that, either.
Baquacil has some pretty bad reviews. Apparently it works great the first 1-2 years and then you have sludge build-up and you spend hundreds of dollars every year trying to keep your pool clear?
The ionizers have mixed reviews, too.